Letter to the editor: The marriage vote -- while walking in my shoes : Acts of grace keep us faithful and proud

Notes: "Sunday, July 14 [2019], was tough for my husband, the Rev. Tom Decker, and me. We were scheduled to serve at St. James' in Kingston, the parish church where we volunteer. Tom was the celebrant at mass; I was the lay reader. We drove to church that morning still feeling very upset over the decision by General Synod to deny the validity of our marriage. We felt like frauds going to worship with this denomination that continues to reject the legitimacy of our love. But, we were blessed by the overwhelming show of love and concern from our parish, including Fr. Don Ford, who acknowledged the pain of the vote in his homily, as well as a married lesbian in the congregation who said who proud she was to see Tom and me serving that day. Several said that they loved my 'extra gay' shoes that I wore below my alb as my act of silent protest ! These acts of grace reminded us that we have a place in the church, even while a minority of our church family wrestles with this fact. Tom and I remain faithful and proud Anglicans, and we hope our presence and witness will one day help the church to reflect the radical, inclusive love of Christ". [Text of entire article.]

Subjects: Anglican Church of Canada. General Synod (42nd : 2019 : Vancouver, B.C.) - Resolutions; Marriage (Canon law) - Anglican Church of Canada; Marriage - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Same sex unions - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Homosexuality - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Anglican Church of Canada - Parties and movements - 21st century